Jennifer Lopez is embracing her independence and focusing on self-love after her recent split from Ben Affleck. The 55-year-old superstar filed for divorce from Ben, 52, earlier this summer, and in a new interview, she’s getting candid about love, healing, and why she’s not rushing back into the dating world anytime soon.
In an interview with Nikki Glaser for Interview, Lopez opened up about the importance of loving yourself first before finding love with someone else. Reflecting on her past relationships, she shared some insightful thoughts on what love means to her now.
Lopez admitted that for a long time, she felt the need to be perfect to be loved—a mindset she’s been working to unlearn. “That, to me, is a scary thing too, or a confusing thing, because it’s like, ‘Oh, you couldn’t love me if I have flaws. I have to be perfect to be loved,’” she revealed. “That’s not true! Somebody who truly loves you will help you heal those parts of yourself.”
Her comments underscore the idea that real love isn’t about perfection but rather support, understanding, and growth. “That’s what I’ve learned about love, that it is a secure thing. You make me feel safe, and when I fall short of the glory, you understand me and you help me to grow to be better, because you have your boundaries and I have my boundaries,” she explained.
While Glaser suggested that Lopez must have “a new bar for the next person that comes along,” the On the Floor singer made it clear she’s not on the lookout for a new relationship right now.
“Here’s the thing: There’s no new bar because I’m not looking for anybody. How’s that,” Lopez said, confidently adding that this is the “first time” she’s felt truly comfortable saying that while being single.
Lopez has long been known for her high-profile relationships and her deep sense of romance, but this time around, she’s shifting her perspective. “You know what? For people who are romantics and love being in relationships and want to grow old with somebody, we think, ‘I have to have that to be whole and happy.’ And you don’t,” she shared.
It’s clear that her divorce from Affleck has helped her find clarity on what happiness means for her, and right now, it’s about focusing on herself. She’s learning that being single doesn’t mean being incomplete—and that’s a powerful lesson for anyone.
Lopez didn’t shy away from admitting that this realization didn’t come easily or quickly. With her trademark humor, she quipped, “It only took 30 years” to reach this point.
After a whirlwind of public relationships and personal growth, Lopez seems to be enjoying her newfound independence and focusing on what truly matters: self-love and personal peace. While her romance with Affleck may have come to an end, her journey of self-discovery is only just beginning.
